Class 1 Lead Driver

Rapier Employment Limited; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Rapier Employment Limited is recruiting for a Lead Driver (Class 1) in Swindon. The role is full-time, temp-to-perm, reporting to the Transport Manager. It combines driving duties with office support, linking drivers to Transport Controllers and ensuring safety/compliance.

Two shift patterns apply (04:30-15:00 or 14:00-00:30), 40 hours weekly, with occasional Fridays. Pay ranges £16.28–£16.94 per hour, with rotation and some flexibility expected.

Qualifications

• Full Class 1 (C+E) driving licence with CPC and tachograph card.
• Strong knowledge of driver compliance, safety standards and transport operations.
• Experience working in both driving and office/operational environments.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coach/assist colleagues.
• Desirable: experience mentoring or supervising drivers.
• Familiarity with digital driver systems and telematics.

Responsibilities

• Act as the link between drivers and Transport Controllers and be the first point of contact for drivers.
• Maintain operational stability while upholding safety and compliance standards.
• Support introduction of new processes and technologies.
• Assist with start-of-shift activities including handovers and driver briefings.
• Aid with minor vehicle/trailer repairs and defect reporting.
• Carry out driving duties as required to meet operational needs.
• Monitor vehicle condition, yard organisation and ways of working.
• Promote Health & Safety culture and assist investigations where needed.
• Role includes office support in addition to driving duties when required.

Skills

Class 1 (C+E) Licence

CPC

Digital Tachograph Card

Communication skills

Mentoring / supervision (desirable)

Telematics

Microsoft Office

Tools

Digital driver systems

Telematics

MS Office

Job description

This Class 1 Lead Driver position in Swindon is offered by Rapier Employment on a full-time, temp-to-perm basis. Reporting to the Transport Manager, the successful candidate acts as the link between drivers and Transport Controllers, serving as first point of contact for driver support. Duties include maintaining operational stability while upholding safety and compliance standards. Working Monday to Thursday, with Fridays when required, shifts total 40 hours weekly across two patterns: 04:30-15:00 or 14:00-00:30, with rotation available and some flexibility needed. Pay ranges from £16.28 per hour for days to £16.94 for lates. Applicants must hold a valid Class 1 licence and demonstrate strong communication and organisational abilities. Rapier Employment are currently recruiting for Lead Drivers to join our well-established client in Swindon. This role is temp to perm for the right candidate.

Role : Lead Driver (Class 1)

Days: Monday to Thursday / be able to work Friday's when required

Weekly expected hours: 40 hours a week

Hours: Lead driver 1: 04:30-15:00 / some flexibility required

Lead driver 2: 14:00-00:30 / some flexibility required

There is an option for both shifts to rotate

Pay: Days: £16.28 per hour Lates: £16.94 per hour

You will be reporting to the Transport Manager

Responsibilities:

• Act as the link between drivers and the Transport Controllers and be first point of contact for drivers, providing support
• Help maintain operational stability while upholding high standards of safety and compliance
• Support the introduction of new processes and technologies.
• Support start of shift activities, including handovers and driver briefings
• Assist with minor vehicle/trailer repairs and defect reporting
• Carry out driving duties as required to support operational demands
• Monitor and maintain standards across vehicle condition, yard organisation and ways of working
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture, challenging non-compliance and supporting investigations where required
• This role will require a mixture of office support, as well as driving duties when required.
• A great opportunity for someone looking for a more senior position within a fast-paced environment.

Key Experience & Qualifications (Summary):

• Full Class 1 (C+E) driving licence, valid CPC and Digital Tachograph Card
• Strong understanding of driver compliance, safety standards and transport operations
• Confident working in both driving and operational/office-based environments
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach and support colleagues
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Desirable but not essential: Experience in driver mentoring, coaching or supervision
• Familiarity with digital driver systems, handheld devices or telematics
• Basic IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Experience supporting operational improvements or change initiatives